Ashgabat to Bishkek

30

Basix

$4,075 USD

$4,419 CAD

$4,370 AUD

€2,984 EUR

£2,474 GBP

$4,833 NZD

R35,427 ZAR

FR3,225 CHF

Travel the central Silk Road from Turkmenistan to Kyrgyzstan

Follow the central Silk Road through Turkmenistan’s harshly beautiful deserts, Uzbekistan’s soaring mountain ranges and Kyrgyzstan’s sublime lakes. Travel to a land once home to brutal yet sophisticated khans and sultans, as well as the furthest reaches of the USSR. Offering the bold traveller a startling vision of Central Asian culture, from the futuristic Ashgabat to the relaxed charm of Bishkek, this central Silk Road journey is an enlightening experience full of memories to last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1 Ashgabat

Start your adventure among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat. Spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum.

Day 2 Darvaza

Sleep under the stars in the Karakum Desert. See the spectacular fires of the Darvaza Gas Crater.

Day 3 Konye-Urgench

Continue the Overland journey through the Karakum Desert, and take in the parched landscape of Asia's hottest desert.

Day 4-5 Khiva

Gaze up at the ancient walls surrounding Khiva and imagine how they once provided sanctuary for weary Silk Road travellers. Explore the historic and perfectly preserved Old Town, beautifully decorated in classic turquoise tiles.

Day 6-8 Bukhara

Get to know Central Asia's holiest city, where the combination of buildings spanning a thousand years and a thoroughly lived-in Old Town help create the awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Day 9 Nurata

Spend a night in a yurt camp with the local nomads, sleeping among the dunes of the Kyzylkum Desert.

Day 10-12 Samarkand

Travel to one of Central Asia's most magical cities, Uzbekistan’s Samarkand. Discover the romance of the Silk Road in this perfectly preserved city full of exotic architecture and majestic buildings.

Day 13-15 Tashkent

End your adventure in the most modern of Uzbekistan’s cities. Visit Tashkent’s thriving Chorsu Bazaar to pick up Soviet-style souvenirs and admire the ornately decorated Kukeldash Medressa.

Day 16 Fergana City

Enter the Fergana Valley and see the palace of the former Khan of Kokand.

Day 17 Arslanbob

Make tracks across the Ferghana Valley into Kyrgyzstan.

Day 18-20 Kyrgyz Fergana Valley

Take a leisurely three day journey through the stunning mountains and national parks of Kyrgyzstan's Fergana Valley.

Day 21-22 Song-Kol Lake

Spend the night in a yurt near Song-Kol Lake and join in a game of ulak-tartysh.

Day 23 Kochkor

Mingle with friendly locals and relish Kyrgyz hospitality while enjoying a homestay in Kochkor.

Day 24-25 Jeti-Oghuz Valley

Admire the lofty sandstone cliffs in Jeti-Oghuz Valley.

Day 26 Karakol

Discover the remote, picturesque town of Karakol, complete with quaint tree-lined streets and colonial houses.

Day 27-28 Chong Kemin National Park

Set off on a leisurely hike along Chong Kemin River - or if feeling adventurous, perhaps tackle one of the tough 4000 m passes.

Day 29-30 Bishkek

Relax on the final days in Bishek. Why not stroll through the city's markets and haggle for bargains. Alternatively, relaxing in an Oak Park cafe and reflecting on the adventure is another good option!

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Important notes

1. This trip visits multiple countries for which visas can be difficult and time consuming to obtain. Please ensure that you have enough time to apply for all visas you require before booking this trip.
2. Some destinations visited on this trip do not have consulates in Australia and New Zealand. We recommend that travellers from these countries book the WESTBOUND itinerary of this trip where some visas can be obtained en route.
3. Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.
4. Combination trip. Please see Trip Notes (Important Notes) for more details.
5. Local Partner: Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partners Dragoman Overland. Your departure will be run in a Dragoman vehicle with a Dragoman crew.

Trip notes

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Your trip notes provide a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what’s included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.